Kyrie Irving himself squashed the talk of his departure to the New York Knicks in the preseason, when he confirmed a commitment to the Boston Celtics. Despite no new contract, it seemingly put any link between the 2016 NBA champion and playing at Madison Square Garden behind.
On Saturday, Irving’s Celtics went to MSG and defeated the Knicks, 103-101, in which he contributed 16 points and five assists, while Jayson Tatum closed the game to give the Eastern Conference favorites the win. The 26-year-old’s biggest statement happened after the game, though.
According to Peter Botte of the New York Post, Irving told reporters how every team was considered for his future home, but the Knicks stood out especially, due to personal ties in the Tri-State area:
“I mean, every team was under consideration, but obviously New York held a special place for me,” Irving said after Boston edged the Knicks, 103-101,Saturday night at the Garden.